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Emery yet to decide on future

Date published: Wednesday 27th May 2015 10:56

The Spaniards became the first side to lift the trophy four times courtesy of a 3-2 victory over Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk in a gripping final in Warsaw on Wednesday, but Emery now has to decide whether to stick or twist.

Media reports have linked him with a number of clubs, including the vacant job at Real Madrid, as well as a move to the Premier League, where a number of clubs would be likely suitors.

“Now is not the time to talk about the future,” he told reporters after the win. “I learned a long time ago that you have to live the present without thinking about the future.

“We have demanded a lot of ourselves so we want to enjoy our great achievement right now.

“The Champions League will be an eye-opener but we’ll think about it in the coming days. Now we will enjoy this with our family and friends, as well as the supporters.”

He faces a difficult choice. Despite Sevilla’s European success, they remain also-rans in Spain’s domestic league.

With the financial behemoths of Real Madrid and Barcelona set to continue their domination, he does not expect his side to be able to launch a title challenge any time soon.

While Atletico Madrid burst apart the duopoly to win La Liga in 2014, Emery does not expect a repeat.

“Of course, it would be great to win La Liga but it is not easy with two teams like Barcelona and Real Madrid,” he said.

“Atletico Madrid were capable of doing that but that might be just an illusion. Sevilla has great strengths but it should not have to compare itself to other teams.

“We have managed to get 76 points in La Liga this year, we could have been champions of La Liga at some points (in history), but the important thing is to be happy.

“We’ve had a very good season in Spain. People are feeling alive until the very last day and that for me means a great deal.”

Regarding Wednesday night’s win, Emery was delighted, if relieved, to see his side come through a testing 90 minutes on the right end of the scoreline.

He said: “It has been a lot of work. The whole side worked very well. We’ve had difficulties in all of the games.

“At half-time, we spoke about how this competition takes a lot out of you, and that we had to wait for our moment. We deserve this. We have to enjoy it.”

Carlos Bacca, who struck either side of half-time for Sevilla, told UEFA’s website: “I want to dedicate this to God and my family in Colombia. This is something unique. I want to enjoy it. I was pleased to help the side with two goals.”

Sevilla full-back Aleix Vidal paid tribute to Dnipro’s resilience, adding: “We wanted to win another title. We have always maintained the same thing: if a side gets to the final, it’s because they’re doing things right.

“Dnipro showed they’re a top side. We showed what you had to do in order to get over the line.”

Dnipro ended the game with concerns over Brazilian midfielder Matheus, who left the field on a stretcher after collapsing following a clash of heads, although it was later confirmed the damage was nothing more than a broken nose.

Coach Myron Markevych said: “Unfortunately today we allowed Bacca the chance to be aggressive. We made a lot of mistakes in defence.

“They [Sevilla] were more experienced, and I think that showed. But we tried to play our best game.”